From Lane Dittoe Fine Art Photographs…The wedding of Marisa and Bryan brought their family and closest friends together to celebrate in beautiful Santa Barbara, a meaningful beachside location to the Southern Californian bride and groom.Exactly a year prior, the groom proposed in Paris after a day of biking around the city with the engagement ring sewn inside his jean pocket. A special memory the bride’s ring will always carry. The groom’s ring also holds sentimental meaning as he inherited his grandfather’s perfectly fitting gold wedding band inscribed with his grandparents’ initials and wedding date. Following tradition, the couple added their own initials and wedding date to the opposite side of the grandparents’ inscription.

Staying true to heartfelt details, the UC Berkeley grads exchanged handwritten vows in the Mariposa Garden as the sun set into the Pacific Ocean behind them. At their sides were the bride’s two sisters, her maids of honor, and the groom’s brother, his best man. The intimate garden ceremony, ordained by the father of the bride’s longest childhood friend, was surrounded by views of the Santa Ynez Mountains and Butterfly Beach. Fruitwood chiavari chairs lined both sides of the rose petal aisle while Pachelbel’s Canon in D, played by a Spanish guitarist, accompanied the bride down the aisle – a vision of sweet and delicate beachside charm with a touch of classic tradition.

After the garden ceremony, guests were led to the oceanfront patio where servers passed out refreshing spring cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. In lieu of a guest book, guests were invited to leave personal handwritten notes for the couple to open on their future wedding anniversaries. Once the cocktail hour concluded, guests were ushered inside the Spanish-style hotel to enjoy warm toasts, dinner, and a night of dancing. The oceanfront El Mar Ballroom was transformed into a complete vision of Santa Barbara enchantment. Creamy shades of blush, champagne, ivory and white hues created a soft and romantic feel exuding understated elegance. Atop delicate ivory linens, blush peonies, white hydrangea, light pink roses, and dusty miller leaf accents filled a mix of mercury glass containers and crystal cut footed urns. The romantic amber lighting was further enhanced by various heights of votive candles and the soft glow of the burning fireplace. The intimate affair concluded with a memorable send-off as guests gathered outside with sparklers in hand to bid adieu to the Dr. and Mrs.!